Aflac Promotes Volunteerism with New Site Powered by VolunteerMatch.org

COLUMBUS, Ga., Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  Aflac, the leading provider of supplemental insurance in the United States today announced a partnership with VolunteerMatch, the web's largest volunteer engagement network, to launch an online platform connecting volunteers across the nation with opportunities to volunteer with nonprofit organizations  in their local communities.  In keeping with the company's commitment to fighting childhood cancer, the new microsite at aflac.volunteermatch.org offers unique ways to help support this cause.

The Aflac VolunteerMatch online portal identifies cancer-related volunteer opportunities by U.S. ZIP code, while also featuring video stories of pediatric cancer patients. To enable everyone to join the fight against pediatric cancer, in their own communities, the site offers three simple volunteer options:

1. Give time and skills by volunteering for a local cancer-related organization
2. Donate money to the Aflac Cancer Center to support its cutting-edge national cure research 
3. Host a fundraiser for pediatric cancer treatment research conducted by the Aflac Cancer Center

"Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death due to illness for children 15 years or younger in the United States," said Kathleen Amos, president, Aflac Foundation. "By drawing attention to the thousands of children and families affected by cancer and providing a way for everyone nationally to join the fight, we can help raise both the emotional support and the funds that drive best-in-class treatment and research at the Aflac Cancer Center and across the nation."

"The nonprofit organizations that are on the front line of the fight against cancer need all our help," said Greg Baldwin, president, VolunteerMatch. "We are excited to partner with Aflac to make it easier for more people to get involved."

This partnership is the latest step in Aflac's bold commitment to pediatric cancer research and treatment.  Since 1995, the extended Aflac family, including more than 17,000 independent sales agents, has given more than $70 million to fight childhood cancer though the company's relationship with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Children's Oncology Group and other cancer treatment and research organizations. 

The ACC, a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology, and blood and marrow transplant programs is recognized as one of the top childhood cancer centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The center sees more than 350 new childhood cancer patients every year, more than 600 patients with various pediatric bleeding disorders, and 1,700 children with sickle cell disease. The hospital also conducts an average of 60 bone marrow transplants each year and helps develop cutting edge research that is being tested across the country.

For more information, or to sign up to volunteer time or donate funds, visit aflac.volunteermatch.org.    

ABOUT AFLAC
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than 55 years, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac individual and group insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. 2012 marked the sixth consecutive year Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as a World's Most Ethical Company. 2012 also marked the 14th year FORTUNE magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and the 11th time FORTUNE included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies.  Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

ABOUT THE AFLAC CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS CENTER
The Aflac Cancer Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology, and blood and marrow transplant programs, serving infants to young adults. Recognized as one of the top childhood cancer centers in the country by U.S.News & World Report, the Aflac Cancer Center treats more than 350 new cancer patients each year and follows more than 2,500 patients with sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other blood disorders. Visit www.aflaccancercenter.org or call 404‐785‐1112 or 888‐785‐1112 for more information.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERMATCH
VolunteerMatch is the Web's largest volunteer engagement network, with more than 85,000 participating nonprofits, 150 network partners and 8 million visitors each year. Founded in 1998, VolunteerMatch offers solutions to make it easier for individuals, nonprofits and companies to make a difference. Since its launch, VolunteerMatch has helped nonprofits attract more than $2 billion worth of volunteer services. VolunteerMatch is a two-time Webby Award winner, a Smithsonian inductee, and has been recognized for its work by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Time, Oprah Winfrey and Presidents Clinton and Bush. To learn more, visit http://www.volunteermatch.org.

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SOURCE Aflac